‘One of the worst’: AFL fans blow up as star punished for innocent gesture

Footy fans couldn’t believe their eyes when a Brisbane Lions star copped another controversial call, this time all because he moved his arms.

Harris Andrews was in hot water again. Photo: Fox Sports/Kayo.

Footy fans were scratching their heads as Harris Andrews once again found himself on the wrong side of an umpire’s decision.

Last week the Brisbane defender copped a rough decision when Tom Hawkins was allowed to play on and kick a goal despite a blatant push in the back and on Thursday night Andrews was pinged for a gesture officials said crossed the line as the Lions beat Collingwood 15.8 (98) to 14.7 (91).

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Early in the fourth quarter Andrews was called for holding Darcy Moore in a marking contest and seconds later the umpire blew his whistle for a 50m penalty, allowing the Collingwood star to trot up to the goal square and slot an easy major.

AFL bosses announced in the pre-season they would crack down on umpire abuse to stamp out “disrespect” towards officials and while Andrews didn’t appear to say anything, he held his arms out in disbelief and that was enough to give away a 50m free kick.

“Arms out is 50, mate,” umpire Andrew Stephens told Andrews.

In commentary for Seven, Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge said: “He was actually turning around to talk and the umpire said, ‘You put your arms out’.

“They brought it in for the first weekend of the pre-season games and the umpires were so hard on it, but then players have been able to get away week-in week-out.

“That looks like he just turned around to talk to the umpire, so if they’re gonna do it, they need to be firm on everyone.”

Harris Andrews was in hot water again. Photo: Fox Sports/Kayo.

Plenty on social media, including ex-AFL stars Tom Rockliff and Brent Harvey, hit out at the call.

“One of the worst … number 12 doesn’t like Brisbane,” Rockliff tweeted, with a laughing emoji.

Harvey wrote: “‘You put your arms out’ so now that is a 50m penalty also? Me confused.”

Herald Sun AFL journalist Jon Ralph said: “If Harris Andrews spoke offensively to the umpire then its 50m. If it was only arms out for a pretty soft free kick that’s an over-reaction.”

‘Arms out ….50’ #AFLLionsPies
🙇🏻‍♂️

— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) April 14, 2022

Obviously the AFL umpires making round 5 this season to be known as the “Tiggy Touchwood Round” #AFLLionsPies@AFL

— Michael Beer (@Beery19) April 14, 2022

The Lions scored six goals in the second quarter to hit the lead and they always looked like winning from there — although it got far closer than they were hoping for.

Collingwood fought back with an excellent final term but it was too little, too late.